Gippsland football commentator Daryl Couling says the race for this year’s TRFM Gippsland League premiership remains wide open.
Couling, who has called dozens of games this season for radio station TRFM, said there was little separating minor premier Leongatha from the other remaining teams and predicted a surprise or two in the finals series.
“It has been a fantastic season and every team in the top five can make the grand final,” Couling said.
“There are a couple of smokies and the way those sides set up they can match it with anyone."
The finals series kicks off this weekend with Maffra taking on Traralgon in Saturday’s qualifying final at Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve.
A cumulative margin of six points separated Maffra and Traralgon in their two matches this season and Couling expected another close encounter on Saturday.
“Traralgon certainly like to use their small forwards and we’ll be able to tell pretty early in the game if the Maroons are on by their short kicking across half-forward,” he said.
“Maffra’s strength is probably its back line and if Traralgon aren’t hitting their targets the likes of Sam Pleming, Ben Batalha and David Adams will pick them off and control the game.”
The finals series continues on Sunday when Wonthaggi Power and Sale do battle in the elimination final at Morwell Recreation Reserve.
The game is a replay of last year’s dramatic preliminary final, when the Power overcame a 45-point three-quarter-time deficit to steal victory and a place in the grand final.
“We know Wonthaggi’s defensive structures are good, but this year they’ve been a bit more attacking,” Couling said.
“They have tried a few things during the season that have probably cost them some games, but Rob Railton is probably the smartest coach in the competition and they are a real dark horse.
“At their best Sale are still a good side, but they need to be at full strength. Jason Gram has come back and been a focal point for them, but without John Gooch or Travis Ronaldson, who both missed last week, he’s their only forward target and they need more goals from midfield to make an impact.”
Couling is part of the Gippsland Live commentary team that will call every game of the 2015 TRFM Gippsland League finals series.
The first-year caller is joined in the commentary box by calling partner Brenton Wight and stats guru Paul Carter, with ex-AFL player Troy Makepeace riding the boundary, and has loved getting behind the microphone.
“It’s been awesome, especially getting to appreciate how good these footballers are by seeing them on a regular basis, rather than two or three times a year,” Couling said.
“It’s also been really enjoyable getting to know the guys as well. The access we’ve had is second to none, with guys making themselves available to talk to us half-an-hour before they run out, during breaks and straight after the game, which has really added to our broadcasts."
The 2015 TRFM Gippsland League finals series will be officially launched tomorrow at Traralgon Recreation Reserve, the scene of this year’s grand final on Saturday, 26 September.
Last Modified on 03/09/2015 09:12